title: Interpersonal trauma and animal-related experiences in female and male military veterans: implications for program development.
abstract: Exposure to trauma is more frequent than was previously recognized. The prevalence and impact of trauma events, including trauma involving animals, was assessed in age-matched male and female veterans. High rates of exposure to at least one trauma event were reported by males (95%) and females (97%). Females were more likely to report sexual and physical abuse by a significant other. Both genders experienced higher trauma rates in the military than in civilian settings. A survey of animal-related experiences showed similar rates of losing a special pet, being frightened or hurt by an animal, witnessing or perpetrating violence toward animals, and having sexual interactions with animals. Almost one-third of the veterans showed evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, highlighting the potential benefit of trauma screening to identify veterans in need of further evaluation and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Boat
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Grinvalsky
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Geracioti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*